“Well, I finally know the truth about Stella’s breakup with me. You won’t believe it.”
“Try me. Details, please.” Her sips of soda through a straw come through the line.
I tell her everything. Her ex-military police background comes in handy, especially helping me sort out Stella’s father’s situation, and what that must have been like for a young woman to deal with back in college. We work through it for several minutes until Renae has the full picture.
“So that’s it. Bottom line—she didn’t let me in, but relied on Jerrod to see her through it. I feel like shit about it all.” I gulp down my drink and sit on the floor to work through some stretches. Somehow, it feels good getting all of this off my chest; I should pay Renae more than a therapist.
“Do you still want to give things another chance with her? Everything she told you would be enough to devastate any guy,” she clarifies.
“I can’t walk away. Fuck, that must make me sound pathetic.”
“No. Clearly you care about her.”
“Over the years, I’ve teased fellow teammates for falling into relationships too fast. Here I am… ready to jump in head first.”I shake my head. Stella held this power over me since the moment she walked onto the ice at the Tigers’ arena, and the moment she walked again into the Denver arena. I don’t think she understands the depth of what I feel.
“Follow your gut, sir. I’ve found it serves me well. But…” Renae hesitates. “You know Jerrod’s always going to be in the picture. He’s that boy’s father; he has rights.”
“I don’t like it, but I’ll have to come to terms with it.”
“Okay, then what do you need me to do next?”
I think for a minute, my mind racing around. “Christmas and Aiden’s birthday are coming up. And get this, Stella asked to hold his birthday party at the rink. She said Jerrod might not attend. Of course, I said yes, so…”
“Let me guess. Do you want to plan the best birthday party ever? Something better than his father might have given him?”
“Hell yeah. I like the sound of that.”
“Budget?”
I snort. “Come on, Renae. You know the word budget isn’t really in my vocabulary, not when it comes to making a child happy. Especially Aiden.”
“I’m on it. I’ll put together a few options and get back to you tomorrow.”
She clicks off, leaving me settled, more steady in the past's aftermath. This can work. It has to. I’ll try my best to shove all thoughts about Jerrod aside. I can move forward and focus on Stella and Aiden now. She’s the woman I want, and I won’t let her go so easily this time. I need to stick this second chance with her.
At this point, I still have to power through a run and even get in a nap before reporting to the arena later. But a group text comes in right as I reach the door.
Cam: Becca wants to know if you’re coming to Ethan’s annual cosplay event? We’ll be there.
I slap my hand to my forehead. I’d forgotten about the fundraiser Ethan and his wife Journey put on each year around Halloween, raising money for children’s literacy state to state. Journey is really into it, and it’s a big deal. Stella would love it, studying to be a teacher after all, and this year the event happens to be right here in Denver.
Kris: The theme is superheroes. Bailey’s making our costumes. Very hush about it. Won’t show me. I fear what she’ll make me wear.
Eli: That’s crafty. Sending you a link to the craft store Stella works at in Boulder. Be sure Bailey gets as many supplies there as she can.
Cam: Bringing Stella as your date?
Eli: Dude, I just got her to agree to coffee with me a few days ago.
Kris: Going well with her?
Eli: Progressing slowly.
Cam: Come on. Ask her. Otherwise, Becca has someone lined up for you to meet.
Eli: A blind date? Not a fucking chance. Becca’s matchmaking record is shit.
She was the one who had introduced me to Bunny in the first place—now my ex-wife. I doubt anyone should rely on Becca to fix them up.
